How 3D Printing Is Revolutionizing the Classic Car Parts Market

June 21, 2025

Benefits of 3D Printing

The application of additive technologies offers numerous advantages for businesses, such as accelerating the iterative process of prototyping parts, enabling in-house production of spare components, and creating tools required for production processes or sub-processes.

An additional benefit is that this manufacturing technology allows for the creation of complex geometries that would be difficult or extremely costly to produce using traditional manufacturing methods. This aspect has been recognized by industries where weight reduction is a key factor, such as aerospace, aviation, and motorsport.

At the same time, another industry has started to recognize the potential of this technology—the classic car market, which, according to surveys, could reach a global value of USD 43.4 billion by 2024.

According to current regulations, manufacturers are obligated to supply parts for a vehicle model for 10 years after the end of series production. Beyond that, the availability of spare parts is primarily influenced by market demand. Since the demand for certain components is relatively low, their production is not profitable for manufacturers, which can lead to shortages of these parts.

3D printing can offer a solution to this problem, either directly or indirectly. If the tool or jig required for manufacturing the part is produced using 3D printing, this is considered an indirect application, whereas if the part itself is 3D printed, it is a direct application.

Application of Additive Manufacturing in the Classic Car Market

Several major manufacturers have recognized these opportunities and, in recent years, have started producing parts with 3D printing for discontinued, iconic models. Among these components are both metal and plastic 3D printed parts.

On Porsche's official website, for example, the clutch release lever for the legendary 959 model is available. It is manufactured using the company’s SLM metal 3D printing technology. According to the manufacturer, the part's mechanical properties and surface quality surpass those of the original component. Many similar parts are now available in the manufacturer’s portfolio.

Another example is Mercedes-Benz, which has reproduced parts for one of its most iconic models, the 300SL—also known as the “Gullwing” Mercedes—using additive manufacturing. The car's interior rearview mirror was printed from an aluminum alloy similar to the original and was then chrome-plated. The component is nearly identical to the original, with the only modification being its length, which was adjusted to improve rear visibility and thus ensure safer driving.

Another noteworthy part for the same model is a spark plug holder designed to make assembly easier. This component was recreated using polyamide 12 thermoplastic material.

These examples demonstrate that additive technologies have already gained a foothold in the spare parts manufacturing sector, although such services are typically offered by manufacturers only for rare and high-value models.

Considering current market trends, the rapid development of additive technologies, and the growing demand for vintage vehicles, it is reasonable to assume that 3D-printed parts will increasingly appear among components for more affordable models as well—as is already happening in some cases.

3D printing is no longer just the future — it’s the present, and it's transforming the way we restore and maintain classic vehicles.
If you need a ready-to-ship reproduction part, we’re here to help bring your vintage car back to life. Browse Our Products.

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